The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-07-31
jim ARNOrpS OATH.

Toledo Blade.

ehhn -iaCeu, nungry-lOOklng W0-
man, whose tattered dress scarcely
covered her nakedness, dragged her
sell YEARLY along st. Clair street
the other night. 1t was in the
gllded section of the street, aud the
dens Of vice and infamy were in full
blast, The fiddle made discordant
shrieks and the piano ratified as the
woman peered into one and another
OF the vile places. BY her side VIZ
q girl OF twelve or thereabout, ragged
like herself, but with face that
was beautiful, even though tear
stained and cloud cast.
The two walked slowly and ia ST.
lence. Both seemed to have but one
object in view, and that was to find
some one. They would steal care
fully up to the door OF ealoon and
peer cautiously through the cracks,
as il eager not to disturb the revelry
within. AT one OF these doors, with
diamond cut glass in front, stood a
rough looking fellow, who was more
than, half seas over" though not toe
drunk to notice the couple as they
glanced anxiously through the hall
open doors.
You won't find Jim there" he
growled ~ saw him going up to the
bridge half an hour ago, so get along,
We don't want you around here.
And with that he started toward the
woman as il to hurry her on her way
Quick as fash she drew a revolver
from the ragged folds Of her dress
and said huskily: Don't yer lay yer
hands on me, or III send you home
sure With threat Mike turned
away, and the woman started again
up street.
They had nearly reached the bridge
when suddenly both stopped. Their
eyes had caught sight OF the one they
sought. He stood in front of the bal
in a dirty. looking place. He wa,
leaning carelessly against the bar his
head resting upon his left hand. In
his right he held glass Of beer. He
was withouta coat and the red sleeves
OF his shirt were scarcely Of a rud,
der hue than his face, which was
swelled and bloated. lie was a mar
of large, powerful frame, seemingly
capable OF doing large amount OF
work with little exertion. There was
that in his eyes and in his general
appearance which impressed one that
10 spite OF the surroundings and the
bad indications, something good
could come out Of lin. The woman
watched him full five minutes, anC
her eyes flashed as she saw him pay
for the drinks, not for himself, but
for half dozeu other men, who were
in all stages OF drunkenness.
Finally she turned TO the Girl, who
was nearly ready 20 cry, and, whis
pering few words, LETT her STANDING
on the sidewalk, and, walking rapid
ly into the saloon, she made straight
for the man in the red shirt.
Jim, l.want you TO come home.
The person addressed turned
around, aud, looking at the woman
CONTEMPORARY, said
What do you want Of me? VIVA
are you doing here, anyhow az,
when he had framed the two ques
tions, he emphasized the displeasur,
evident from his looks by seizing tn
woman by the arm aud pushing he
toward the door. She turned ash
pale as the man laid his hands upoI
her aud then drew her revolver
which she almost thrust in his face
Jim" she said, her voice chokin
with emotion, you must come hom
with me, or will shoot you. / hav
worked myself nearly to death 70
you, Jim Arnott, aud instead Of help
ing nae you steal my earnings, an
come here TO drink il up. We hav
q babe at home, and God knows
4 suffers for wait Il enough to cal
: Liz is outside, and the poor gil
/ is so faint aud hungry that sh
can hardly walk. Look at me tn
4 woman you promised to cherish an
protect, jim Arnott, in RAGS almo'
A 10 nakedness, and without a mouth
!, iul TO eat since morning. We migl
!, have been very happy il 20
: had let drink alone. We might b
4 respectable today but for your wal
- Of manhood. Come home, | say, {
: | will shoot you, as true rs there is
- God in heaven" She almost shritke
!, the last words, aud Jim Arnott WI
/ not 80 drunk that he could face II
n glittering barrel Of the revolver. II
a muttered something as n strt oil far,
a we'll 10 his boon companions an
y then led the way out, followed by th
4, woman.
A. A Blade reporter, who had wi
~ ncsscd the performance, walked ait'
"a the trio.
"a A long distance out from the Gel
10 ter Of the city the vile aud daught'
" almost dragged the half drunkC
&c man into a plain single story cottag
a. In a moment faint light gleam'
{. through the windows, which wei
or devoid Of shutter or shade. The Il
or terror OF the room was eviden
n. enough Of the poverty which dive
~ there. A deal table, two or thr,
al rough wooden chairs, an apology !
Il a stove aud q cot constituted q
SO feature OF the outfit. The report
n had only time 70 take curse
q. glance through the window, VIII
oi his attention was directed 10 the CO
id The mother had stepped up TO il
os soon as she had lighted the feel
en- lamp. Her back was toward the !
Oh porter as she stopped over the CO
ny But only for a moment Sudden
in she threw her hands wildly above b
MS head, aud with an agonizi
he cry that would have pierre
nc the stoutest heart, she fell aero
On the cot. Arnott sprang iowa
.ty his wife. and, rough though he VI
TO lifted her tondorly up. Then, for
Ter frst time, the reporter caught
no glimpse Of the pale baby face u
Ter pceped out from tho sheet, I
nd next instant Arnott had left the c,
nd taco and was tearing down the sire
oil A few minutes later aud he return'
he followed by doctor. They enter
oh the cottage, and the latter walk
4